Sharing God's love within our congregation and throughout the world through worship, learning, service, and community engagement

Embracing Questions

Let's face it, life is a mix of blessings and struggles. It ranges from simple and straightforward, to challenging, to downright difficult and complex. As Lutheran Christians, we understand these various seasons as part of the mystery of life. At Christ the King we celebrate with God and each other those times of joy and fullness, yet we do not shrink away from the hard questions and complicated parts of our spiritual journeys. In the tradition of Lutheran Christianity, we embrace paradox: we are simultaneously both sinners and saints; we find abundant life when we give ourselves to others; we are subject to the demands of God and also freed by God’s grace, which promises love, forgiveness, and abundant life. As a community of faith we seek to find God in all of life, and look for God’s comforting presence even amidst uncomfortable, difficult, or intractable questions.

The Church Year Begins

Adventus. A Latin word, for coming. The culture surrounding us is in a frenzied rush of shopping, mailing, going to parties and planning for winter break. The church, in contrast, calls us to maintain a different posture during this four week season before Christmas: one of waiting, watching and praying. Many of the appointed Bible readings contemplate the concept of incarnation: what does it mean that God comes to the world in the person of Jesus, and what difference does it make? Other readings ponder the mystery of Jesus’ promise that he will come again—what will it be like for the fullness of Christ to reign in our hearts…for us, and for all creation?

You are invited to take a countercultural stance and join the Advent journey. Take time to prepare for the prince of peace to enter in, and fill our lives with purpose and hope.

Active Faith

The Bible is a collection of 66 books that includes histories, genealogies, poetry, letters, songs, and more divided into the Old and New Testaments. Also referred to as scripture or the Word, the complexity of scripture can be intimidating for many readers. Historically there are three ways to approach scripture: the historical approach, the literary approach, and the theological or devotional approach. All three methods help the reader to learn the story of God’s chosen people who continue to fall short, but can trust in God’s unwavering love. When we read God’s Word we don’t have to understand everything, but when we allow the Word to root in our lives we are invited into a deeper relationship to the divine that may change our lives. In the beautiful words of Martin Luther “The Bible is alive, it speaks to me; it has feet, it runs after me; it has hands, it lays hold of me.”

Worship Sundays at 8:15 and 10 am

Our Location

We are located in the village of Pinecrest in a beautiful park-like setting across from Pinecrest Gardens.

This first Sunday of Advent kicks off a new church year. As we turn to Matthew, we don’t hear about the coming of the infant king, instead, we hear about Jesus’ second coming. We are told to keep awake and be ready because no one knows the time or date that Jesus will return.

Sermons

All are welcome.

Now through December 18, you have the opportunity to sponsor a poinsettia for the sanctuary. Plants can be purchased in honor or in memory of a loved one, and will adorn our sanctuary as we celebrate the birth of Jesus on Christmas Eve and Christmas morning. Envelopes will be available on tables in the sanctuary and in Ludder Hall—place your money in the envelope and indicate your dedication in the space provided. Single poinsettias are $10 and large poinsettias are $30. Thank you for your generosity!

The Sunday morning adult class continues this Sunday studying the Sermon on the Mount. The class gathers from 9 to 10am in the Sunday school wing and is outstanding! See Phil Whitley or Scott Simmons, co-leaders, for more information.

Wednesday Bible Study News: Bible study meets in the Red Room at noon to discuss the appointed readings for the prior Sunday. The group will be on break on December 28 and Jan. 4 and resume on Jan. 11, 2017 with a study of the gospel of Matthew.